Easter Preparations
Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant” Mark 10:42
INTRO: Have you ever heard someone say their pastor teaches the Bible verse-by-verse?
It sounds like they’re getting at every morsel of truth
– but verse-by-verse is not necessarily the best way to go thru the Scriptures
• the Bible wasn’t written verse-by-verse — chapters and verses were added much later to make for easy reference
• also, verse-by-verse suggests each verse contains its own message–a tiny capsule of truth
○ but most verses in the Bible are only a fragment of a larger thought — sometimes a phrase within a sentence
– I’ve noticed that those who teach verse-by-verse tend to read a verse or two and then preach a mini-sermon
• we are not really learning from them what the Bible teaches
When we study the Scriptures, we look at an entire thought
– this means, we have to figure out where each thought begins and ends
• sometimes the biblical writers help us – they leave markers
• we have a good example in this passage, which begins and ends with the words “on the road” (vv. 32 & 52)
○ like bookends, this phrase creates an envelope around the text (the literary term is inclusio)
When the markers are this obvious, they reflect something from the message that lies between them
– for example, people didn’t connect with Jesus only in public meetings
• they received training on the road
○ in a synagogue, on a hillside, or by the sea, Jesus delivered his message regarding the kingdom of God
○ on the road, he addressed issues and gave warnings that were practical and of the moment
– this particular road was taking the Lord and his followers to Easter
Jesus was in a mood read more…
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you We read this narrative as if looking at photographs of people in the crowd around the cross, with Matthew identifying them for us.
- “Here are the soldiers, doing what we disciples could not do, keeping watch over him (v. 36, cf. Mt. 26:38, 40-41).
- And here the passersby repeat the Tempter’s words, ‘If You are the Son of God . . .’ (Mt. 4:3).
- These, of course, are the robbers crucified next to him.
- This group of men are the chief priests, scribes and elders, who from the beginning were the culprits behind this tragedy (Mt. 16:21; 26:3-4).”
It was this last group who were so confident that Jesus was not the Messiah–that their Messiah would never let himself be caught in this predicament–that they made a promise they knew they would not have to keep. If he would leap from the cross, they would believe in him.
Was Jesus wounded by these insults? Was he humiliated by their ridicule? Or did he feel a twinge of the old temptation? If, like us, he always felt the need to prove himself right, then he would have certainly given at least a moment’s thought to descending from the cross and either demand the mockers to become his disciples or else spit in their faces–if such a thought ever occurred to him.
O Jesus, had You left the cross and shut the mouths of those who taunted You, it would no longer matter who did or did not believe in You, because we would still be lost in our sins. Your Father has not called us to faith in a self-serving King, but a crucified Savior. You stayed on the cross not because You are not the Messiah, but because You are! So when You do not intervene in our hour of forsakenness, grant us a better understanding of Your ways and an unbreakable trust that is faithful to the end.
Easter Preparations
As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Mark 10:17
INTRO: Easter is only three weeks away and it is much too important a day to let it sneak up on us
So we find chapter 10 in the Gospel of Mark and catch up with Jesus a few weeks before the cross
If we look close at these six stories, we can discern a pattern in this chapter
– in the first half, two dialogues precede a dramatic, personal encounter with Jesus
• then, the second half repeats the first half — two dialogues followed by a dramatic, personal encounter
• for both individuals, the encounter with Jesus proved to be a moment of crisis – a crucial turning point
The two men could not be more unrelated
– one is healthy, rich, and mobile, while the other is blind, poor, and “stuck”
– Jesus invited the mobile one to follow him, but he did not go
• Jesus did not invite the stuck one to follow him, but he did anyway
– the first one had much to lose – the second had nothing to lose
• but the one thing they shared in common: they both had everything to gain
A brief look at the first two dialogues
Vv. 1-12, People were abusing the divorce clause found in the law
– they used the letter of the law to violate its intent
– Jesus’ explanation to the disciples regarding “divorce and marries another” (vv. 11-12) contains a conditional clause
• one action is undertaken in order to perform a second action
○ in this case, a person divorces a spouse, because he or she wants to be with, and marry, someone else
○ to Jesus, this amounts to legalized adultery
– the point being: Jesus does not put up with our nonsense
• he calls our actions by their real name
○ the people who exploited this loophole in the law were, technically, righteous people, but they were not good people read more…
A Spiritual Mentor encourages to meet God in the Scriptures
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:12-13
INTRO: In the New Testament, there are three books that are difficult to follow:
1. Romans, because Paul’s logic is so tricky
2. Hebrews, because it is so deep and relies so heavily on the Old Testament
3. Revelation, because of its obscure symbolism
There are some scary passages in the book of Hebrews
– notice how this chapter begins, “Therefore, let us fear . . .”
• fear what? Missing out on the life God calls us to enjoy with Him
– we’re given an example of people who missed out – Israel (3:16-19)
A Christian might argue, “Well, we have the Scriptures”
– but the writer says, “They had God’s word! At least as much as they needed to reach their destination”
The key word of this passage is “Today”
– Hebrews 3:7 quotes Psalm 95
Today if you hear His voice
Do not harden your hearts . . . (Ps. 95:7)
• the psalm was written 1,000 years earlier prior to this letter and it refers to an event that took place 400 years before the psalm was written
○ so how are we to interpret the word “Today”? Answer: read more…
A Spiritual Mentor helps us reconcile ourselves to life
Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. Genesis 3:1
INTRO: There is a subtle but important detail in this story we might easily overlook
“LORD God” translates God’s name, Yahweh, and who he is, Elohim
– that God has a name is critical to the story developing in these first three chapters
• he is not merely a Creator manipulating his creatures
○ e.g., creating a set and then manipulating his “action figures” on it
• he is Person, and confers personhood on humans
– because God is person and humans are persons – relationship exists between them
• so throughout chapter 2, from verse 4 through 22, God is mentioned by name
But when the serpent speaks, he does not refer to Yahweh
– God’s name is left out of this conversation
• but it is picked up again when the narrative resumes in verse 8
• this is a good example of what we’re told about the serpent, he’s “crafty”
This subtle move does two things:
- it depersonalizes God – Eve forgets that he is loving provider of all that is good
- it creates a sense of distance between God and the woman
– she is manipulated into seeing God as over against her
– for a moment, “God” appears to be far away and unconcerned
I remember, years ago, my mother saying, “Eve’s temptation was discontent”
– from now on, how could Eve be satisfied knowing there was more? read more…
A Spiritual Mentor would encourage a heart examination
You shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. Deuteronomy 8 (2)
INTRO: Deuteronomy was Moses’ final gift to Israel
In it, he summarizes their forty years in the desert and all that God revealed to them
– chapter 8 answers the question, “Why were we in desert so long?”
– in his answer, Moses repeats several important words, using them strategically
- Remember – begins and ends this message – it’s the central theme of the chapter
– in 2, it’s “the journey” they were to remember
– in v. 18, it is “Yahweh your God” whom they were to remember
• not merely recall, but constantly be conscious of the LORD
• remembering the spiritual journey leads to remembering the LORD - Know (occurs 6 times) – they received an education in the wilderness
- Forget – “Don’t” (11), why they would (14), consequences of (19)
- Heart – there are four concerns in the chapter regarding their hearts
– let’s take a close look at these read more…
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you They were strangers, these legionnaires and Jesus. They did not know him and were unaware of his teaching and miracles–much less that he was the Son of God. To them, he was merely a troublemaker who had been fed to them for execution, allowing enough time to have a little fun. No need to address him by name. He will be the pretend “King of the Jews” on whom they spit every time they use the title.
The abuse the soldiers heaped on Jesus is stressed by the profusion of verbs in this passage. Their sport with him is hard to understand. Pilate could not find evidence that proved Jesus worthy of death, nor had he been a threat or nuisance for the soldiers. Why degrade and torture him before crucifying him? Perhaps it was simply their brutal temperament, these men so accustomed to violence.
It is possible, however, that Matthew found something profoundly moving in this pathetic scene, something he wanted to show us, but without overdoing it, for he does not describe in graphic detail the hammering our Lord suffered. Yes, it was cruel and heartbreaking, but the Bible never once lingers over the violence done to Jesus. Nor should we linger here, for this is not the end of the story. In fact, even with the words “crucified Him” the story does not end (v. 35). There is more, and for that reason we must move on.
Jesus, our Savior, You do not want us to be unaware of Your suffering, for we have been “bought with a price.” Yet neither do You want us to remember You as a helpless, broken victim under the heel of Roman oppression. Rather, You want us to know that Your story is not over and that “all authority” in heaven and on earth has been given to You. We are, each one of us, episodes in Your book that is still being written. Thank You for taking the pain and now exercising the power to make this possible.
A Spiritual Mentors Helps Us Make the Most of Solitude
In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. Simon and his companions searched for Him; they found Him and said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” Mark 1:35-37
And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest awhile.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) Mark 6:31
INTRO: Last week I asked you to sent me questions you might want to ask a spiritual mentor, if you had one
I appreciate the responses I received
– I’ll walk through one of them the way I think a mentor might approach it
After greetings and exchanging pleasantries, the mentor and disciple settle into silent prayer
– they do this to still their hearts and minds and turn their whole attention to God
– then the mentor requests the help of God’s Spirit and prays they will be sensitive to his voice
Disciple: I’ve been applying myself to discovering what lies in the depth of the moment, but I also want to know what God intends for the years of my life
Mentor: Interesting. Could you fill that out a little for me?
Disciple: While I’ve been learning to be more aware of how God is present to me in the present moment, I also want to be able to see the horizon.
Mentor: You mean, the big picture of your life? Your purpose?
Disciple: Yes, sort of.
Mentor: You know, God rarely gives us the details.
Disciple: I understand. But what’s his overall design? How can I become a better partner in the process?
Mentor: Think of what you’re asking. You want to know how the clay can assist the potter. Well, be as compliant as possible–be plastic, flexible.
Disciple: Okay, let me put it this way: I can see God’s will up close, but I want to improve my distance eyesight.
Mentor: What does your heart tell you? Listen to it. What is its spiritual longing?
Disciple: It’s longing, right now, is to have a better grasp on the remainder of my life and what God wants to do with it. How can I devote it most fully to a life in the Spirit?
Mentor: Well, you don’t need to know what the divine Artist has in mind to live fully or love fully. But a primary ingredient to a full spiritual life is learning to trust. Trust that God knows what he wants for you, that he is working on it in the everyday circumstances of your life, and that he will get you there. God rarely lays out his whole will for us in advance. Rather, he works it out in our life day by day and we come to know his will by living it. We say Yes to his big plan that spans our entire life in faith, but we say Yes to his will today in obedience.
Disciple: But how can I say Yes to his future if I don’t know what it is? If I don’t know what he is inviting me to?
Mentor: I have three recommendations for you. First, look for God’s invitation in the present moment. You will find that it usually comes with an RSVP. Second, you ask yourself, “Am I looking for the subtle movements of the Spirit in my everyday activities?” God’s grace is at work even in our worst situations. Can you discern a pattern? Third, ask, “What do I love with a pure love? What am I passionate about with a pure passion?” read more…
A Spiritual Mentor and Humility
He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
INTRO: A little background
Micah lived in a society living on the brink of ruin
– the normal business practice was to rip-off customers and lie to them (10-11)
• although people were getting rich, they were already suffering the curse of discontent
You will eat, but you will not be satisfied . . . You will sow but you will not reap . . . etc. (vv. 14-5)
– and a worse fate was coming (v. 16)
Micah asks what can be done about this – for himself and his nation
– “How can I get right with God? Get back on track? What kind of sacrifice would fix this?”
– he begins with the standard sacrifices, but jumps to wild exaggerations
• “thousands of rams . . . ten thousand rivers of oil”
• and the ultimate, “my firstborn son”
The answer had been there all along – sacrifice doesn’t change anyone
– it comes down to the kind of people they are and the lives they live
• do justice – personal: the way they do business and “conduct their affairs”
• love kindness – social: the way they treat others, show mercy
○ demand justice of yourself, but show mercy to others (reverses our typical order)
• walk humbly – spiritual: the way they connect with God
○ it’s this third part I want us to think about today
A spiritual mentor helps us learn and live humility
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you Themes from the previous scene echo in Pilate’s interview with Jesus. Judas has already confessed the Lord’s innocence, which Pilate’s wife reiterates–an innocence that Pilate futilely attempted to achieve by washing his hands (vv. 4, 19, 24). Then Pilate threw the same callous phrase at the people that the chief priests and elders had thrown at Judas, “See to that yourself! [yourselves]” (vv. 4 & 24). Also, both raise the question of who is responsible for Jesus’ blood (vv. 4, 6-8, 24-25).
One stark contrast between the two passages is Judas’ clear admission of the sin he had committed and the crowd’s in ability to answer Pilate’s question regarding Jesus, “What evil has He done?” (v. 23). This leaves us wondering who was really on trial that dark day.
Pilate was not the first person to be “quite amazed” at Jesus. The Lord evoked amazement and wonder everywhere He went. Usually people were amazed by the miracles and teaching of Jesus; here, Pilate is amazed at His silence. Regardless of whether He is calming the storm, embracing the children, forgiving the sinner, or silently going to His cross, Jesus is quite amazing.
O Jesus, we will never have You “figured out” or predict what You will do next. Perhaps today some of us are filled with grief and assume that You will leave us drowning in it for the rest of our lives. Well, we may be “quite amazed” by Your next move in our lives. Perhaps we once longed for a breath-taking encounter with You, but gradually gave up that hope. Will we soon be “quite amazed” by what You have in store for us? In one way or another, You will always amaze us. Indeed, You are full of surprises.
Daily Meditations From the Scriptures